WTA Race Update: Aryna Sabalenka solidifies year-end No. 1 chances, while Coco Gauff and top Americans chase Finals spot

The 2025 WTA season may have wrapped up its Grand Slam slate, but the race to the WTA Finals in Riyadh is far from over. With just a handful of tournaments remaining, the year-end rankings and qualifications are taking shape, and the margins between contenders are razor-thin. Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her US Open triumph, currently sits atop the Race to Riyadh leaderboard with 9,610 points, firmly positioning herself as the frontrunner for the year-end No. 1 spot.

Sabalenka’s victory in New York was more than a personal milestone; it cemented her dominance over the season after being so close yet so far from winning a slam this year. The Belarusian, 27, has been remarkably consistent across all surfaces and majors, and her lead over second-placed Iga Swiatek, who holds 7,533 points, gives her a healthy buffer. While the Pole has proven resilient, winning Wimbledon and remaining a major contender, Sabalenka’s momentum and points advantage make her the player to beat in the WTA Race as the tour moves into its Asian swing.

An American filled chasing pack

Behind the top two, a cluster of American players is vying to secure their spots at the season-ending Finals. Coco Gauff, 21, sits third in the standings with 5,184 points, followed closely by Amanda Anisimova at 4,908 points, Madison Keys at 4,450, and Jessica Pegula at 4,209. These players are all within striking distance of the WTA Finals qualification cut, currently set at 5,605 points, meaning that performances in the upcoming tournaments could dramatically alter the lineup.

For Gauff, the focus will be on stabilizing her serve and regaining the confidence that carried her to last year’s Finals title in Riyadh. Anisimova, meanwhile, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but will need to maintain consistency to cement her place among the season’s elite to make her first ever WTA Finals.

Andreeva and Rybakina hold the bottom end of the top 8

The chase for the remaining spots also highlights emerging talent and comeback stories. Mirra Andreeva, 18, currently sits seventh with 4,189 points. After a sensational run through mid-season, including back-to-back WTA 1000 victories in Dubai and Indian Wells where she defeated both Swiatek and Sabalenka, Andreeva has slowed her momentum following an ankle injury suffered in Montreal. The Russian teenager has played only five matches since Wimbledon, going 3-2, but her talent and prior form suggest she could re-enter the top eight with a strong showing in the Asian swing.

Elena Rybakina, 26, rounds out the current top eight with 3,751 points, holding on to the last guaranteed Finals spot. Despite the Kazakhstan star having had a steady season, she faces pressure from Jasmine Paolini (3,526 points) and Ekaterina Alexandrova (2,871 points), both of whom are within striking distance should Rybakina falter. With WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, along with WTA 500 tournaments in Guadalajara, Seoul, Ningbo, and Tokyo, the remaining schedule is packed with opportunities for both veterans and rising stars to make their mark.

Others to keep an eye on

The race is not only about established names. Naomi Osaka, 27, currently sits 14th with 2,244 points but has shown encouraging signs of resurgence. The four-time Grand Slam champion has won 11 of her last 13 matches and reached the Montreal final, demonstrating both form and joy on court. While her points total is currently outside the top eight, a strong Asian swing could put her in contention for a Finals reappearance, her first one since 2019.

Elina Svitolina (2,606) and Clara Tauson (2,553) are further back but still capable of moving into contention with exceptional performances in the remaining events. Veteran players who have struggled with injuries or form will also play a key role. Karolína Muchová (1,643 points) and Barbora Krejčíková (816 points) can upset higher-ranked opponents, which could affect the points distribution and the eventual qualifiers. Similarly, Diana Shnaider (1,921 points) has the talent to win key matches in the Asian swing, while Belinda Bencic (2,229 points) could chip away at the standings with deep runs in WTA 500 or 1000 events.

Other young talents, such as Alexandra Eala (750 points) and Victoria Mboko (1,440 points), will also look to translate their recent momentum into meaningful points, potentially shaking up the lower end of the Finals qualification picture if they are to upset anyone. As the tour heads to Beijing, Wuhan, and other stops in Asia, the storylines are clear. Sabalenka is focused on solidifying her year-end No. 1 status, but the real drama lies in the battle for the remaining WTA Finals spots.

With the Asian swing and remaining hard-court events offering plenty of points and high-stakes matchups, the run to Riyadh promises drama, momentum swings, and a thrilling showcase of who can rise when it matters most. One thing is certain: nothing is decided yet, and every match counts.